ASSEMBLY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

ASSEMBLY, No. 4852

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 23, 2026

      The Assembly State and Local Government Committee reports favorably an Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill No. 4852.

      The substitute bill revises certain requirements for the prescription of Schedule II controlled dangerous substances via telemedicine and telehealth without in-person examination or review.

      The substitute bill amends section 2 of P.L.2017, c.117 (C.45:1-62) to eliminate the in-person examination or review requirement for the prescription of Schedule II controlled dangerous substances through the use of telemedicine or telehealth: to patients, who are currently in active treatment for cancer, receiving hospice care from a licensed hospice or palliative care, or are residents of a long-term care facility; to patients, who are undergoing evaluation, consultation, or treatment related to P.L.2019, c.59 (C.26:16-1 et seq.); or for any medications that are being prescribed to a patient for use in the treatment of substance use disorder.

      The substitute bill provides specific requirements for the prescription of a stimulant which is a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance through the use of telemedicine or telehealth to an adult patient.

      The substitute bill provides that the prescription of Schedule II controlled dangerous substances to a patient through the use of telemedicine or telehealth will only be authorized when the prescribing health care provider is using interactive, real-time, two-way audio and visual technologies when treating the patient and the use of such technologies is consistent with State and federal law, including without limitation that the provider meets the same standard of care or practice standards as are applicable to in-person settings.